Flight Arrival and Weather Observations
The flight arrived at the airport between 1600 and 1615, landing on Runway 15. The pilot reported observing a thunderstorm west of Andrews Air Force Base, approximately 10 miles south of the airport. After loading an air traffic control simulator and its accessories onboard, the pilot taxied to the displaced threshold on the approach end of Runway 15.
Wind Shift and Takeoff
During this period, anemograph readings from the University of Maryland recorded a sudden wind shift to winds from the northwest, with gusts reaching 40 knots. The pilot stated he wanted to beat the storm. Witnesses described the wind direction as between 300 and 330 degrees, with wind speeds exceeding 20 knots. One pilot attempted to warn the pilot by waving his arms to draw attention to the wind conditions.
The Accident
The aircraft took off in a nose-high attitude. The pilot reported maintaining 75 knots at maximum power, but the aircraft continued to descend at approximately 200 feet per minute until it struck trees and the fences of a tennis court.
Wind Data
A 24-knot tailwind component can increase takeoff distances by as much as 80 percent.